History

The Fort Worth Police Benevolent Association was founded in 1889 with one mission that holds true to this day: “to provide for it’s members in need.”

The Fort Worth Police Benevolent Association is a non-profit organization, created by police officers to serve the sworn members of the Fort Worth Police Department, both active and retired. The association provides death benefits to member’s survivors, as well as limited financial assistance to our members in need.

Fort Worth Police officers and their paddywagon, circa 1920’s.

Fort Worth Police officers and a patrol car, 1942.

On Thursday, July 19, 1934, Fort Worth Police Benevolent Association filed as a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation in the State of Texas and is approximately eighty-one years old, according to public records filed with Texas Secretary of State. The filing is currently active as of the last data refresh which occurred on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

A view of Main Street from the Courthouse, 1949.

In 1948, the members of the Fort Worth Police Benevolent Association voted to form the Fort Worth Police Officers Association. The Benevolent Association continued to serve its role of providing assistance to its members and their families, while the Police Officers Association’s role was to organize and campaign for improved benefits for its members.

FWPBA TIMELINE

1889

Upon creation, Chief of Police S.M. Farmer served as President of the Benevolent Association. Chief Farmer would serve as Chief of Police 1879-1883 and again in 1887-1891.

1902

A local newspaper ran an article regarding the resignation from the police force of S.S. Potts, who also served as Police Benevolent Association “Secretary”. Potts was replaced by C.W. Newby as Secretary.

1903

The next year garners in an Association Board consisting of:

W.K. Logan – Policeman
President Benevolent Association

J.A. Allen – Policeman
Vice President Benevolent Association

C.W. Newby – Police Clerk
Secretary – Benevolent Association

W.J. Orr – Policeman
Treasurer - Benevolent Association

1910'S

Although the exact dates of his service to the Police Benevolent Association are not clear, we know that George Craig served the citizens of Fort Worth as a police officer and volunteer fire fighter for 28 years. He was the President of the Police Benevolent Association during his tenure which ended in 1915 when the Police Commissioner replaced the majority of the police force.

1912

In 1912, the department adopted the current “Panther” Badge design, phasing out the former “Eagle” Badge.

1934

On Thursday, July, 19, 1934, the Fort Worth Police Benevolent Association received their charter from the State of Texas.